Online Reporter
Taygeta Zihwi
September is globally recognised as Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we reflect on the value of life and our collective responsibility to safeguard it. In Zimbabwe, suicide has quietly become a pressing concern, cutting across age, gender and social class. Behind every suicide lies a story of pain, loss of hope, and often, a sense of isolation that could have been eased by stronger family and community bonds.
In years gone by, family ties and community relations were the backbone of Zimbabwean society. Families would rally together in times of crisis, neighbours genuinely cared for one another, and kindness was freely shared. Sadly, those strong bonds are no longer as solid as they once were. Today, many people find themselves more isolated, with relationships increasingly marked by self-interest rather than compassion.
This shift has left vulnerable individuals feeling unseen and unsupported, at the very moment they need connection the most.
Social media, while useful for communication, has also added new pressures. Many people compare themselves to others online, measuring their worth against carefully curated images of success, beauty, or wealth.
This has created a silent struggle where people feel they are falling behind in life. For those with limited financial means, the price of belonging, whether in family, community, or social spaces often feels too high.
They may withdraw, feeling that they do not measure up. On the other hand, those with money are not spared; they may be surrounded by people whose concern is not genuine, leaving them equally lonely despite outward appearances of success. Both extremes can fuel hopelessness, erode self-esteem, and contribute to suicidal thoughts.
As a community psychologist, I believe suicide prevention begins with restoring the essence of Ubuntu, the spirit of humanity towards one another. Communities must re-learn the value of kindness, empathy, and listening without judgment.
Conversations about mental health should no longer be hidden in whispers; they must be normalised in homes, churches, schools and workplaces. Identifying warning signs such as sudden withdrawal, expressions of hopelessness, or drastic changes in behaviour should become a collective skill, not just the role of health professionals.
Teachers, pastors, nurses, and community leaders can serve as gatekeepers, offering basic support and linking people to professional care.
Equally important is the need to strengthen access to genuine, affordable, and preferably free support systems.
In a country where many face economic challenges, knowing where to find counselling, helplines, or community programmes at no cost can make the difference between despair and hope.
We must ensure that help is not reserved for those who can afford it, but is available to all, regardless of social or financial status.
Suicide is not an individual issue; it is a community concern. It reflects not only personal struggles but also the social fabric in which people live.
By advocating for stronger mental health services, promoting open dialogue, rebuilding trust within families, and choosing kindness over self-interest, we can create a safer and more supportive Zimbabwe.
This Suicide Prevention Month, let us recommit ourselves to the simple but powerful acts of care: checking in on others, listening with empathy and offering hope.
Each life matters, and together, through compassion and collective action, we can prevent suicide and restore the bonds that make us stronger as a people.
derick.khumalo